Laser machine for examination, planning and marking raw diamond

ABSTRACT

Because of extreme hardness, diamonds have a number of important industrial application. Generally experts work on it. Marking is done by experts after examining each rough diamond to decide how it should be cut to yield the greatest value. But in this process, there can be lots of wastage as it is only an image of the stone in the mind of the person. The present invention comprises Laser planner which scans each and every point of diamond by rotating it 360° and thus gives individual coordinate of that diamond. It shows us the wire frame image on the computer monitor is a machine to scan the stone and to plan and mark for the best-fit diamond from that stone. All the data of the diamond is stored in the computer. It is material saving, time saving, mass processing increase in productivity.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to LASER MACHINE FOR EXAMINATION, PLANNING AND MARKING RAW DIAMOND.

[0002] Diamond is a mineral composed of pure carbon. It is the hardest naturally occurring substance and popular gemstone. Because of extreme hardness, diamonds have a number of important industrial application. Diamond is a special form of Carbon like Graphite. In the mine, a raw diamond looks like a piece of coal—natural stone. Jewellery grade diamond cutting is a separate and special branch involves marking, cleaving, kerfing, blocking, sawing, bruiting, faceting and polishing.

[0003] Inside the raw stone there can be some impurities. The impurities inside the diamond are called NATS and GERUMS. Nats are impurities in the form of particles other then carbon and Gerums are the impurities in the form of micro-cracks in the stone. So, these impurities have to be removed from the stone, and that is why the raw stone is cut in such a way that the maximum carat weight (volume) can be gained.

BACKGROUND ART

[0004] Before cutting the raw stone it is planned in the mind by imagination from where to cut to yield the desired value and size. Marking is done on the stone for cutting accordingly. To make this decision, the shape of rough diamond and the number and location of impurities is required to be considered as it affects reflectivity and clarity of the diamond. But the human imagination of the mankind can not judge the proper place of the impurities and it may have error and cutting is done r and omly, so there may be lots of wastage. While cutting the stone there are permutation and combination in the form of size and numbers from one stone. When the cutting is done according to the human imagination, the desired proportion of and numbers can not be obtained and there may be a heavy loss.

[0005] To come out of this loss present invention provides LASER MACHINE FOR EXAMINATION, PLANNING AND MARKING RAW DIAMOND

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0006] LASER (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) is an optical oscillator like an electronic oscillator which consists of an amplifier with a feedback to generate oscillation. Laser light is a monochromatic i.e. single wavelength with very small b and width and because of monochromatic nature it can be used for selective absorption. Laser light is highly coherent, i.e. the photons emitted by the laser source have definite phase relationship among themselves. and laser light is highly directional or with low divergence, as it is delivered by the source obtained from back and forth reflection of photons between the two cavity mirrors. Therefore laser light can be focused to a point of the order. Because of the cavity mirror of the resonator, the light emitted by the source is confined within a very small solid angle and therefore the light is highly intense.

[0007] According to state of art optical planner scanning is accomplished in three steps:

[0008] 1. diamond mapping

[0009] 2. defining sawing plane

[0010] 3. pen or laser marking

[0011] First, light falls on diamond and distance can be measured from the reflection of that light. Then it detects edges of diamond with rotation of the full circle i.e. 360°. After edges detection, optical planner gives a solid image of diamond.

[0012] Whereas the present invention comprises Laser planner which scans each and every point of diamond by rotating it 360° and thus gives individual coordinate of that diamond. It shows the wire frame image on the computer monitor.

[0013] Laser planner of the present invention contains;

[0014] 1. laser scanning device

[0015] 2. 3-D scanning system by using laser with 3-D position in form of wire frame

[0016] 3. specific die

[0017] 4. marking device

[0018] 5. software for finding out the weight of diamond in carat and fitting appropriate biggest size diamond in raw diamond.

[0019] 6. Electronic assembly

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0020] The present invention will be described with greater specific and clarity with reference following drawings:

[0021]FIG. 1. represents a block diagram of the machine

[0022]FIG. 2. represents side view of the machine

[0023]FIG. 3. represents top view of the machine

[0024]FIG. 4. represents front view of the machine

[0025]FIG. 5. represents block diagram of side view of the machine

[0026]FIG. 6. represents block diagram of top view of the machine

[0027]FIG. 7. represents block diagram of front view of the machine

[0028]FIG. 8. represents a chart of the machine

[0029]FIG. 9. represents a drawing showing movements of the axis.

[0030]FIG. 10. represents a flow chart of scanning module

[0031]FIG. 11. represents a die and die holder

[0032]FIG. 12. represents a sensor flag

[0033]FIG. 13. represents a check nut

[0034]FIG. 14. represents a slider

[0035]FIG. 15. represents a nut housing

[0036] In the present invention, on main body 1 two rails 19 and 26 are mounted. Rails 19 and 26 are to define the path of movement. On the rails 19 and 26, two linear motion blocks 18 are mounted. linear motion blocks 18 are to give very less friction in the vertical movement. linear motion blocks 18 are attached with a slider 6 through nut-housing 3, which is fitted on the nut of ball screw assembly 17. The ball screw assembly 17 is of very high accuracy and precise ground and hardened and given exact movement as per command. This ball screw assembly 17 is fitted in the center between two rails 19 and 26. A slider 6 is fitted on the top face of the nut-housing 3 and on the top face of two linear motion blocks 18. The slider 6 is also attached with the sensor flag 10 which assures the home limit position of vertical movement of the slider 6. Slider 6 will move up and down as per the revolution of ball screw 17. To hold the ball screw 17, a main ball bearing 2 is fitted. Two bearings 16 are fitted in the ball bearing unit 2, a check nut 8 is used to restrict the axial movement. Assembly of main ball bearing unit 2 is with two check nuts 8 and 9 and spacer 11. A spacer 11 is put between bearing 16 and check nuts 8 and 9. One check nut 8 is for preventing axial movement of ball screw 17 and another check nut 9 is used to fix the location of bearing 16 in bearing housing 2. A motor bracket 12 is fitted on the main ball bearing unit 2. A motor 14 is attached on this motor bracket unit 12. A flexible shaft coupling 15 is used to connect the both shaft ends i.e. ball screw shaft 23 and motor shaft 24.

[0037] A rotation movement is given to motor 13, which rotates ball screw 17 without backlash through coupling 15. This rotational movement is converted into linear movement through the ball screw 17, linear motion block 18, slider 6 and nut-housing assembly 3. Scanner 27 and light source are placed in such a way that light falls on stone placed on die 28. The scanner 27 is attached with computer so that after scanning the raw stone structure and physical data of the stone can be seen on the screen of the computer. Physical data of the stone is counted by the computer program installed in the computer.

[0038] Two stepper/servo motor are used in this machine. One is for vertical movement whereas other is for rotary axis h and ling. In the rotary axis unit, there is a double shaft motor. Rotary axis unit is fitted by means of right angle aluminum bracket. On the top shaft, a die holder unit 25 is fitted by means of right angle aluminum bracket. On the top shaft, a die holder unit is fitted whereas dedicated encoder dish is fitted for precise reference of home position.

[0039] In the electronic assembly two PCBs 20 and 21 are used. One PCB 21 is isolation PCB and the other PCB 20 as control unit. PCBs are placed on PCB holder 28. The entire unit is placed on the body mounting bracket 4.

[0040] A specifically designed die is fitted on the die holder carrying a diamond which is to be planned/shaped. This is very dedicated die and purposefully designed for this exclusive application. This die is having one reference notch which is always ensuring a position in die holder.

[0041] A diamond can be fixed on top of the die by either hard glue or stitching by double side insulation tape. The pen is used to mark girdle, facet and table on the surface of diamond. Noticeable feature is servo controlled PWM pen actuator, which controls the marking action.

[0042] Power supply is connected to Drive card PCB. Drive card consists of four identical drive circuit through which it drives the two motors for vertical and rotary movement of the assembly. Another two units are related to marker—one controls the relay coils of marker while another one manages pump to control the flow of ink. Opto-isolation PCB uses opto-couplers to protect the planner unit from any short circuit occurred inside the computer and vice versa. Home limit determines the motion of the assembly.

[0043] PCB senses and gives pre-defined movement of the planner unit. After scanning one diamond when next diamond is placed—PCB provides zero reference to start scanning of new diamond.

[0044] In the present invention the design of the die is very important. Die is having a small hole of 1 mm diameter. Die is to be fitted on die holder through pin, which is connected with upper shaft of the motor. Inside the upper gap of the die holder spacer is press fitted and inside the spacer a pin is press fitted. Upper 1 mm distance of the pin is left to fit the die in an easy and smooth manner. A stone is put on the die with the help of glue. The sensor senses the distance by vertical movement of the assembly the vertical movement of the die with stone occurs due to the vertical movement of slider. The stone is being rotated through rotary axis. The die moves vertically upward and it is under control of mechanical stopper. By all these movement and with the help of computer program the structural data of the diamond is stored in the computer. This, as a whole is a scanning module. Diamond is put on the st and of the die. Now sensor will be initialized so that st and will move to home position where all the axis are at zero. Rotation angle of the diamond with speed and layer step size has to be provided through user interface. The scanning starts from zero^(th) layer i.e. layer height is zero. All the data of the diamond is saved in a file, then again angle is changed by rotating the diamond st and all the process repeats. When rotating unit completes one revolution, the vertical unit moves up by one step. Scanning continue till the stone surface ends or the die material is sensed by sensor. Thus structural data is being collected for one rotary motion, then specific increment in vertical step and as a result combines 3D image of the rough stone.

[0045] Marking portion of the machine contains a pump along with inkpot. Inkpot is connected to the pen by a hollow tube for smooth supply of ink. Pump is controlled by a relay. When relay gets signal from drive card in the form of high voltage pulse, it gets magnetized and becomes activated and so it presses the marker pen to touch and mark the stone.

[0046] Then stone will be marked w.r.t. facet, table and girdles. According to presence of nats and gerums; once again planes have to be judged and volume+mass will be calculated. Again marking is to be done and then again to find out planes. As a result, optimized diamond is got.

[0047] Wire frame concept is used to display the object. Using concept of volume of tetrahedron, mass can be calculated. Also a computer program is used for finding out the weight of diamond in carat and fitting appropriate biggest size diamond in raw diamond. The Laser planner determines “best-fit” diamond from the rough stone with consideration of maximum mass and volume. 

1. LASER MACHINE FOR EXAMINATION, PLANNING AND MARKING RAW DIAMOND comprising of laser scanning device, 3-D scanning system, specific die, marking device, electronic assembly and computer program for accessing the weight of diamond in carat and availability of number(s) and size of diamond(s) in raw diamond.
 2. LASER MACHINE FOR EXAMINATION, PLANNING AND MARKING RAW DIAMOND as claimed in claim 1 wherein 3-D scanning system comprises of main body, rails, two linear motion blocks, slider, nut housing, ball screw assembly, sensor flag, check nut, die and die holder.
 3. LASER MACHINE FOR EXAMINATION, PLANNING AND MARKING RAW DIAMOND as claimed in claim 2 wherein two rails are mounted on the main body to define the path of movement.
 4. LASER MACHINE FOR EXAMINATION, PLANNING AND MARKING RAW DIAMOND as claimed in claim 2 wherein two linear motion blocks are mounted on the rails to minimize friction in the vertical movement.
 5. LASER MACHINE FOR EXAMINATION, PLANNING AND MARKING RAW DIAMOND as claimed in claim 2 wherein linear motion blocks attached with a slider through nut-housing.
 6. LASER MACHINE FOR EXAMINATION, PLANNING AND MARKING RAW DIAMOND as claimed in claim 2 wherein the ball screw assembly placed for very high accuracy, precise ground and exact movement as per command.
 7. LASER MACHINE FOR EXAMINATION, PLANNING AND MARKING RAW DIAMOND as claimed in claim 2 wherein the ball screw assembly fitted in the center between two rails.
 8. LASER MACHINE FOR EXAMINATION, PLANNING AND MARKING RAW DIAMOND as claimed in claim 2 a slider unit fitted on the top face of the nut-housing and on the top face of two linear motion blocks.
 9. LASER MACHINE FOR EXAMINATION, PLANNING AND MARKING RAW DIAMOND as claimed in claim 2 and 7 the slider attached with the sensor flag.
 10. LASER MACHINE FOR EXAMINATION, PLANNING AND MARKING RAW DIAMOND as claimed in claim 2 and 8 wherein sensor flag placed to assures the home limit position of vertical movement of the slider.
 11. LASER MACHINE FOR EXAMINATION, PLANNING AND MARKING RAW DIAMOND as claimed in claim 2 and 6 wherein slider placed to move up and down as per the revolution of ball screw.
 12. LASER MACHINE FOR EXAMINATION, PLANNING AND MARKING RAW DIAMOND as claimed in claim 2 ,6 and 10 wherein two bearings fitted in the ball bearing unit to hold the ball screw.
 13. LASER MACHINE FOR EXAMINATION, PLANNING AND MARKING RAW DIAMOND as claimed in claim 2 wherein a check nut used to restrict the axial movement.
 14. LASER MACHINE FOR EXAMINATION, PLANNING AND MARKING RAW DIAMOND as claimed in claim 2 wherein a spacer put between bearing and check nuts.
 15. LASER MACHINE FOR EXAMINATION, PLANNING AND MARKING RAW DIAMOND as claimed in claim 2 wherein a flexible shaft coupling used to connect the two shaft ends—ball screw shaft and motor shaft.
 16. LASER MACHINE FOR EXAMINATION, PLANNING AND MARKING RAW DIAMOND as claimed in claim 1 wherein two stepper/servo motors used in this machine—one for vertical movement whereas other for rotary axis h and ling.
 17. LASER MACHINE FOR EXAMINATION, PLANNING AND MARKING RAW DIAMOND as claimed in claim 2 wherein on the top shaft of the rotary axis a die holder unit fitted by means of right angle aluminum bracket.
 18. LASER MACHINE FOR EXAMINATION, PLANNING AND MARKING RAW DIAMOND as claimed in claim 1 wherein the pen used to mark girdle, facet and table on the surface of diamond.
 19. LASER MACHINE FOR EXAMINATION, PLANNING AND MARKING RAW DIAMOND as claimed in claim 1 wherein in the electronic assembly two PCBs used—one PCB isolation PCB and the other PCB as control unit.
 20. LASER MACHINE FOR EXAMINATION, PLANNING AND MARKING RAW DIAMOND as claimed in claim 1 and 19 wherein the entire PCB assembly mounted on body mounting bracket.
 21. LASER MACHINE FOR EXAMINATION, PLANNING AND MARKING RAW DIAMOND as claimed in claim 1 wherein power supply connected to Drive card PCB.
 22. LASER MACHINE FOR EXAMINATION, PLANNING AND MARKING RAW DIAMOND as claimed in claim 1 and 21 wherein drive card consists of four identical drive circuit through which the two motors are driven for vertical and rotary movement of the assembly, another two units related to markers—one controls the relay coils of marker while another one manages pump to control the flow of ink.
 23. LASER MACHINE FOR EXAMINATION, PLANNING AND MARKING RAW DIAMOND as claimed in claim 1 wherein opto-isolation opto-couplers used by opto-isolation PCB to protect the planner unit from any short circuit occurred inside the computer and vice versa.
 24. LASER MACHINE FOR EXAMINATION, PLANNING AND MARKING RAW DIAMOND as claimed in claim wherein wire frame concept used to display the object.
 25. LASER MACHINE FOR EXAMINATION, PLANNING AND MARKING RAW DIAMOND as claimed in claim 1 wherein a computer program used for accessing the weight of diamond in carat.
 26. LASER MACHINE FOR EXAMINATION, PLANNING AND MARKING RAW DIAMOND as claimed in claim 1 wherein computer program used for accessing availability of number(s) and size of diamond in raw diamond.
 27. LASER MACHINE FOR EXAMINATION, PLANNING AND MARKING RAW DIAMOND as claimed in claim 1 marking device of the machine contains pen and pump along with inkpot.
 28. LASER MACHINE FOR EXAMINATION, PLANNING AND MARKING RAW DIAMOND as claimed in claim 1 and 26 wherein inkpot connected to the pen by a hollow tube for smooth supply of ink.
 29. LASER MACHINE FOR EXAMINATION, PLANNING AND MARKING RAW DIAMOND as claimed in claim 1,26,27 and 28 wherein marking on the diamond done as accused and ascertained on the screen by computer program as desired, by the marking device of the machine.
 30. LASER MACHINE FOR EXAMINATION, PLANNING AND MARKING RAW DIAMOND substantially herein described with reference to the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings.
 31. LASER MACHINE FOR EXAMINATION, PLANNING AND MARKING RAW DIAMOND as claimed in claim 1 and 25 wherein the flow chart of computer program is substantially described herein with accompanying FIG.
 10. 